Murray State University receives significant financial support for nursing program

Murray State University has received significant financial support for its nursing program from Kelli and Scott Parsons in honor of Kelli’s mother, former Murray State nursing faculty Oleta Burkeen. The Parsons’ support will name a learning space in the currently under construction Jackson Hall of Nursing and Health Professions as the Oleta E. Burkeen Nursing Essential Skills and Health Assessments Lab.

According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Kelli Parsons described her mother and the reasons wants to secure her mom’s legacy at Murray State University. Parsons is quoted as saying, “Following a career in corporate America, Mom transitioned to teaching and never looked back. She and Dad loved their Calloway County and Murray State communities. They believed in the University’s life-changing mission and took pride in nursing as a profession with profound impact. Mom was the definition of a servant leader who vested herself in growing her students’ capabilities, confidence and care for every client and patient. Through the Essential Skills Lab, Scott and I are blessed to honor Mom and sustain her commitment to improving the lives of those most in need and supporting nursing students for generations to come.”

Oleta Burkeen graduated from Murray State University in 1971 with a nursing degree. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina and became the Chief of Nursing for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Eventually, Burkeen returned to Murray State University to teach community health nursing, which she did for 24 years until her retirement in 2001.

In addition to her tenure as an instructor, Burkeen supported the university and the nursing program in many ways. In 2004, Burkeen and her husband Charlie established the Phoebe Fund Endowment in Nursing, which helped nursing students experiencing financial need pay for their licensing exams and other necessities for the program.

Dr. Dina Byers, the dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, said of the Parsons’ gift in honor of Burkeen, “On behalf of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, I want to express our gratitude to Kelli and Scott Parsons for their generous gift in honor of Mrs. Burkeen. This gift will help us continue our commitment to providing students with excellent educational experiences and will ensure that Mrs. Burkeen’s legacy of helping students gain confidence in caring for clients and patients continues.”

The Jackson Hall of Nursing and Health Professions is expected to finish construction in 2026 in time for the Fall 2026 semester. The building will provide nursing students with new technology, classrooms, laboratories, and the campus health clinic. Thanks to the Parsons, Jackson Hall will also house the Oleta E. Burkeen Nursing Essential Skills and Health Assessments Lab.

Executive Director of Advancement Dr. Tina Bernot said, “Honoring a former faculty member through philanthropy is a meaningful way to create lasting impact. With this bold and generous gift, Kelli and Scott will not only continue her mother's legacy in nursing but also help fund cutting-edge equipment for our new facility. We are deeply grateful for their support, which will educate the next generation of nurses while allowing us to celebrate the remarkable life and contributions of Oleta Burkeen.”

For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.